Apparatus and system for research and testing of small aquatic species

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system for testing and researching aquatic species is provided. The apparatus and system includes a housing rack for housing a tank. The apparatus and system further includes one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank into one or more compartments. The apparatus further includes a collection channel and a downspout in each compartment for draining of water from each compartment. The apparatus further includes one or more lids for covering the one or more compartments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/162,004 filed May15, 2015 entitled, “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR RESEARCH ANDTESTING SMALL AQUATIC SPECIES” and U.S. Pat. No. 9,226,475 entitled,“APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RESEARCH AND TESTING OF SMALL AQUATICSPECIES”, filed Feb. 13, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/597,901 filed Feb. 13, 2012, entitled“APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR RESEARCH AND TESTING OF SMALL AQUATICSPECIES” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/739,050 filed Dec.19, 2012, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR RESEARCH ANDTESTING OF SMALL AQUATIC SPECIES” all of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system forresearch and testing of small aquatic species, and particularly to anapparatus and system for various screening procedures of Danio rerio,commonly known as zebrafish.

Description of Related Art

Animals are used extensively in genetic research. Among other purposesand benefits, such genetic research helps scientists locate andunderstand the causes of various diseases and behaviors that manifest inhumans. Many animals have enough genetic similarities to humans to makethem good analogs for genetic testing, as they are easy to breed andthere are lesser ethical considerations than performing genetic testingon humans. One such animal is the Danio rerio, commonly known as thezebrafish, which is a vertebrate like humans. Because of thissimilarity, it is likely that zebrafish have similar biological traits,including genes, developmental processes, anatomy, physiology, andbehaviors.

Various screening processes are performed on zebrafish, such asgenotyping and embryonic screening for mutant phenotypes. Currently,when DNA or embryos are being screened, the zebrafish are housed inindividual tanks that range in size from about 0.8 liters to 2 liters.Such tanks are much larger than necessary. One liter can holdapproximately 5-15 individual zebrafish. However, during the screeningprocess, this volume of water is used to house either individuals orpairs of zebrafish only, which amounts to an extremely inefficient useof water and space. These tanks are commonly stored on housing racks.Because the size of each tank is so large compared to the number ofzebrafish being housed in each tank, each rack is able to store only arelatively minimal amount of zebrafish. Therefore, more racks arerequired. This makes for a very inefficient testing set up, poor use oflab space and time consuming efforts in connection with transporting thezebrafish to and from the testing area.

In addition, due to this inefficient set up and storage method, often,the zebrafish in these tanks are kept off system where they are notadequately monitored. This may result in the water developing into poorcondition, thereby becoming hazardous to the zebrafish. This may alsoresult in unnecessary stress to the experimental animals.

Furthermore, microtiter plates are commonly used to store or house thesamples/specimens extracted from the zebrafish during a screeningprocess, particularly genotyping. A microtiter plate typically has 6,24, 96, 384, or even 1536 sample wells arranged in a ‘2:3’ rectangularmatrix. Therefore, it is critical to the research that the tanks areproperly labeled so the samples/specimens extracted from the zebrafishand stored in a specific well of a microliter plate are matched with theappropriate zebrafish from which it was extracted. This requires anextremely painstaking and time-consuming process in which researchers,many of whom are Ph.D.'s, must use up valuable research time in order toproperly label each individual tank.

Moreover, the embryonic screening process, which is very commonlyperformed in laboratories, involves the breeding of hundreds of pairs ofzebrafish every week. After the zebrafish breed and spawn, and theembryos are collected, the spawning zebrafish are placed in holdingtanks while the embryos are screened for mutant phenotypes. If theembryos show interesting phenotypes, the pair that produced thoseembryos is retrieved and additional steps, including out-crossing andmore pair-wise crossing, are taken to isolate the gene that was mutated.

In many cases, this process could take years to isolate the mutatedgene. Due to the high volume of pairs of zebrafish that are bred eachweek, an excessive amount of water and storage space is required. Also,given the painstaking nature and potential lengthiness of the process,it is critical that items are properly labeled and records properlykept. Again, valuable research time is wasted labeling to try tominimize the risk of errors.

Therefore, a need exists for a versatile apparatus, system, and methodfor various types of testing of zebrafish in an efficient and effectivemanner.

SUMMARY

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide anapparatus for testing and researching aquatic species. The apparatusincludes, but is not restricted to a housing rack for housing at leastone tank, one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank intoone or more compartments, a collection channel in each of the one ormore compartments for draining water from the one or more compartments,one or more lids for covering the one or more compartments, at least onewater supply source, one or more rails at bottom surface of the tank forlocking the tank onto a tank-holding bar, at least one basket that isplaced into at least one compartment of the tank for allowing easierremoval of aquatic species from the tank, and a spawning insert that maybe placed into at least one tank for facilitating spawning process ofthe aquatic species.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide anapparatus for testing and researching aquatic species. The apparatusincludes, but is not restricted to a housing rack for housing at leastone tank, one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank intoone or more compartments, one or more protrusions or grooves in thewalls of the at least one tank forming slots at the ends of eachcompartment for sliding the dividers, a housing rack for accommodatingthe at least one tank, a collection channel in each of the one or morecompartments for draining water from the one or more compartments, oneor more lids, for covering the one or more compartments, held in placeby tabs on top of the one or more dividers, at least one water supplysource, one or more rails at bottom surface of the tank for locking thetank onto a tank-holding bar, at least one basket that is placed into atleast one compartment of the tank for allowing easier removal of aquaticspecies from the tank, and a spawning insert that may be placed into atleast one tank for facilitating spawning process of the aquatic species.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide asystem for testing and researching aquatic species. The system includes,but is not restricted to, at least one tank comprising compartments andsub-compartments formed by one or more dividers, a housing rack foraccommodating the at least one tank, a collection channel and adownspout for each compartment for draining of water from eachcompartment, and one or more lids to cover each compartment, wherein thehousing rack further comprises multiple shelves, drawers on shelves forresting at least one tank, drainage troughs on the shelves into whichwater from the downspout drain, a water collection tank into which waterfrom the drainage troughs drain, and a pump for pumping the water fromthe water collection tank to water supply sources.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide asystem for testing and researching aquatic species. The system includes,but is not restricted to, at least one tank comprising compartments andsub-compartments formed by one or more dividers, one or more protrusionsor grooves in the walls of the at least one tank forming slots at theends of each compartment for sliding the dividers, a housing rack foraccommodating the at least one tank, a collection channel and adownspout for each compartment for draining of water from eachcompartment, and one or more lids, held in place by tabs on top of theone or more dividers, to cover each compartment, wherein the housingrack further comprises multiple shelves, drawers on shelves for restingat least one tank, drainage troughs on the shelves into which water fromthe downspout drain, a water collection tank into which water from thedrainage troughs drain, and a pump for pumping the water from the watercollection tank to water supply sources.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide amethod for testing and researching small aquatic species, particularlyzebrafish. The method comprises: providing a housing rack, providing atleast one tank on a shelf of the housing rack, placing dividers into theat least one tank to create one or more compartments in the at least onetank, filling the at least one tank with water, and performing testingon the aquatic species.

Further, the present invention can provide a number of advantagesdepending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of thepresent invention provide an apparatus and a method for housing smallaquatic species for research purposes. Embodiments of the presentinvention provide a very efficient research setup by minimizing effortsand time consumption required for transportation of aquatic species fromresearch lab. Embodiments of the present invention make a very efficientuse of lab space by minimizing apparatus requirements. Embodiments ofthe present invention enable use of dividers to create compartmentswithin a tank that allows a tank to accommodate more number of aquaticspecies. This saves a lot of space, resources, efforts, and researchtime.

Furthermore, by using embodiments of the present invention, theresearchers will be able to save time by placing the fish in thesub-compartment. Additionally, this reduces the risk of erroneouslymislabeling or mixing up of individual tanks, thereby preserving theintegrity of the test results. Furthermore, valuable space in theresearch laboratory will be saved by housing the fish in appropriatelysized sub-compartments rather than oversized tanks.

In addition, by using the embodiments of the present invention,researchers will be able to save time, space and money. In variousembodiments of the present invention, the tank may be arranged to mirrora ninety-six (96) well plate, be arranged to efficiently house adultzebrafish while fin clips are being processed and alternatively bearranged to hold pairs during embryo screening. Once configured in adesired manner, the tank when used in conjunction with the shelf standfits on many existing rack systems with little or no modification.

Currently many zebrafish researchers conduct some type of screen, eithergeno typing or screening embryos to identify carriers of novel orcharacterized genetic mutations or transgenes. While these individualsor pairs of zebrafish are being screened, they are either housed insmall tanks on a main system or they are housed in small containers andkept off of the main system. Keeping individuals or pairs of fish insmall individual tanks is an inefficient use of system space and waterconsidering fish need only a fraction of that volume. In one embodimentof the present invention, the tank may be configured to allowresearchers to house 24 individual fish in less than 6 rack slots whilestill allowing fish to have more than 0.2 L of water in eachcompartment.

When keeping fish off of the main system for screening, common concernsinclude deteriorating water quality, the inability to offer feed, andextreme time limitations. Embodiments associated with the presentinvention offer an efficient alternative to keeping fish off of thesystem even when labs have limited rack space available. Embodiments ofthe present invention are ideal for holding fish while fin clips areprocessed for, including but not limited to, traditional genotyping,KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) assays, ID'ing Zinc FingerNuclease (ZFN), and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease(TALEN) mutant carriers, or new transgenic carriers, and any otherprocedure that requires keeping individual fish separate from the restof a population.

In another embodiment of the present invention, by removing dividers,users can easily double the size of the holding compartment, forexample, to accommodate a pair of zebrafish. This arrangement is idealfor holding pairs while embryos are screened for phenotypic defects ortransgenic expression. In a further embodiment associated with thepresent invention, are excellent choices for housing pairs during ENUmutagenesis screens. In addition to zebrafish, embodiments of thepresent invention are suitable for any research involving small aquaticspecies that need to be kept individually, including but not limited tomedaka and killifish. Modifying the number of compartments within a tankis essential when working with different species. Embodiments of thepresent invention are suitable for any research involving small aquaticspecies that need to be kept individually.

In one embodiment of the present invention, four (4) tanks can beconfigured together to hold ninety-six (96) individual fish in the sameformat as a ninety-six (96) well plate.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, dividers may be addedor removed to and from a tank to modify the size of the holdingcompartment. To secure the dividers, the tank comprises one or moregrooves and slots in the respective sides and bottom of the tank toaccept one or more dividers to form multiple compartments. The groovesare designed to anchor and hold the dividers in place. Furthermore, byusing the embodiments of the present invention, cross dividers areinserted in slots located at the sides of the tank and long dividers areplaced perpendicular to the cross dividers in their correspondinggrooves in the side and bottom of the tank. For purposes of the presentinvention cross dividers may also be referred to as sub compartmentdividers and long dividers may also be referred to as dividers. Both thecross dividers and the long dividers have at least one slit so when thedividers are placed in their respective grooves and slots, the slits ofthe cross dividers and the slits of the long dividers will interlock attheir point of contact for added stability and to form a compartment. Ina further embodiment of the present invention, the cross dividers havegaps in the bottom to allow for water, waste and food to travel throughthe compartments and ultimately to a drain wherein the residual food andwaste is then discarded. For example, with respect to feeding, a tankthat is set up to hold twenty-four (24) compartments, would allow forfeed to be inserted into six compartments with said feed then flowingsequentially to and through the adjoining compartments from front toback to allow for all of the specimens contained therein ample feedingtime, fresh water and adequate waste removal.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the top of thecross dividers comprise tabs to accept and to hold in place a lid withsaid lid having a cavity to accept the tab of the divider to secure thelid in place. The lids, once secure, are also designed to haveadditional openings to allow for feeding and the like. Embodiments ofthe present invention allow for one or multiple lids to be placed overthe compartments. Multiple lids provide an added benefit in that theyeliminate the need for researchers to uncover the entire tank, butrather to remove only those particular lids on those compartments thatthey are working on.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, all of the dividersand lids are removable to allow for easy cleaning of the tank and all ofits components.

Embodiments of the present invention further provide for the placementof a tank on a shelf stand comprising supports, with said supportsadjustably attached to the shelf stand to provide for multiple heightadjustments. The shelf stand further comprises a grooved base to accepta shelf support when placed on a shelf rack.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of thepresent invention contained herein.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-endedexpressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. Forexample, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at leastone of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B,or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. Assuch, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can beused interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted the terms“comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the present invention toprovide an understanding of some aspects of the present invention. Thissummary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the presentinvention and its various embodiments. It is intended neither toidentify key or critical elements of the present invention nor todelineate the scope of the present invention but to present selectedconcepts of the present invention in a simplified form as anintroduction to the more detailed description presented below. As willbe appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possibleutilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features setforth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The manner in which the above recited features of the present inventionmay be understood in detail, a more particular description ofembodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may behad by reference to embodiments, several of which are illustrated in theappended drawings.

Figures in the appended drawings and the detailed description, areexamples and are not to be considered limiting as other equallyeffective examples are possible and likely. Furthermore, like referencenumerals in the noted Figures indicate like elements.

The above and still further features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view drawing of a tank in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view drawing of a 96 well plate in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view drawing of two of the tanks of FIG. 1 and the96 well plate of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view drawing of a tank in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view drawing of a tank filled with water andconnected to a water source in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view drawing of a tank filled with water andconnected to a source of water in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view drawing of the tank of FIG. 1 and lids inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view drawing of the tank of FIG. 1, illustratingthe step of applying one lid to one compartment in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view drawing of the tank of FIG. 1, illustratingthe step of applying one lid to one compartment in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view drawing of the tank of FIG. 1, illustratingthe step of applying two lids to two compartments in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view drawing of the tank of FIG. 1, illustratingthe step of applying two lids to two compartments in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view drawing of the tank of FIG. 1, illustratingthe step of applying a plurality of lids to the compartments inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view drawing of the tank of FIG. 1, with aplurality of sub-compartment dividers and compartment lids in place inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are front elevation view of a divider, and frontelevation view of a tank with plurality of such dividers, respectively,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are front elevation views of a divider having anopening covered by a fine mesh, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view drawing of a plurality of tanks housedon a housing rack in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view drawing of the tank of FIG. 5positioned on a drawer on a shelf of a housing rack in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view drawing of the tank of FIG. 5positioned on an extended drawer on a shelf of the housing rack inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view drawing of four tanks in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a tank with sub-compartment dividers and aback cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the tank of FIG. 18 with sub-compartmentdividers and a back cover inserted into the tank in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the system illustrating how waterflows through a compartment of a tank to a drainage trough on a housingrack in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an expanded front elevation view of compartments of the tankof FIG. 18 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the tank of FIG. 18 illustrating thestep of inserting/removing a sub-compartment divider in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a tank divided into twelvesub-compartments in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a tank filled with water and fish butwithout any sub-compartment dividers in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 27 is an expanded top plan view illustrating a sliding mechanismfor inserting compartment lids in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D illustrate front and perspective views of atank on a housing rack, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 29A illustrates a tank with rails at its bottom surface for lockingthe tank onto a tank-holding bar, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 29B illustrates side elevation view of the rails that is attachedat the bottom surface of the tank for locking the tank onto thetank-holding bar;

FIG. 29C illustrates bottom elevation view of the rails that is attachedat the bottom surface of the tank for locking the tank onto thetank-holding bar;

FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of a housing rack with largerindividual tanks in accordance with an existing system and method fortesting zebrafish;

FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate perspective view of a housing rack withlarger individual tanks and a 96 well plate in accordance with anexisting system and method for testing zebrafish;

FIG. 32A illustrates a shelf adapter that allows the tank to fit onracks designed for taller tanks, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 32B illustrates side elevation view of the shelf adapter thatallows the tank to fit on racks designed for taller tanks;

FIG. 32C illustrates top plan view of the shelf adapter that allows thetank to fit on racks designed for taller tanks;

FIG. 33 illustrates a basket that may be placed into the tank forallowing easier removal of aquatic species from each compartment of thetank;

FIG. 34 illustrates a ‘spawning insert’ that may be placed into the tankfor facilitating spawning process of aquatic species;

FIG. 35 is a tank fabricated out of acrylic with lids and dividersfabricated out of polycarbonate; and

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a side perspective view of a tank without dividers inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of the tank of FIG. 37, with crossdividers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the tank of FIG. 37 showingtwenty-four (24) compartments in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 40 is a side perspective view of the tank of FIG. 37 showingtwenty-four (24) compartments in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of interlocking cross dividers and longdividers with lids placed on the cross dividers in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a side perspective view of the tank of FIG. 37, showingdividers and covered, the tank having twenty-four (24) compartments inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a side perspective view of a tank without dividers inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a side perspective view of the tank of FIG. 43 having crossdividers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a side perspective view of the tank of FIG. 43 havingtwenty-four (24) compartments in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of the tank of FIG. 43 havingdividers and covered, showing twenty-four (24) compartments inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a side perspective view of a shelf adaptor supporting thetank as configured in FIG. 46, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 48A and 48B are front and perspective views of a shelf adaptorillustrating an adjustment means to accommodate tanks of the same andvarying heights in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a tank in a housing rack in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of the tank of FIG. 49 in a housingrack in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 51 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of assembling the tanksystem in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or theclaims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in apermissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather thanthe mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words“include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including but not limitedto. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used,where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments orother examples described herein. In some instances, well-known methods,procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail,so as to not obscure the following description.

Further, the examples disclosed are for exemplary purposes only andother examples may be employed in lieu of, or in combination with, theexamples disclosed. It should also be noted the examples presentedherein should not be construed as limiting of the scope of embodimentsof the present disclosure, as other equally effective examples arepossible and likely.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view drawing of a tank 100 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The tank 100 is divided into twelvecompartments 101 by compartment dividers 102. The compartments 101 arefurther divided into forty-eight sub-compartments 103 by sub-compartmentdividers 104. The compartments 101 and sub-compartments 103 allowresearchers to isolate individual or groups of zebrafish from each otherduring the screening process in an efficient use of space and water. Thetank 100 may be constructed of a sturdy opaque material capable ofhousing an aquatic specimen. For example, the material of the tank 100may be plastic. The tank 100 and components may be constructed by anysuitable means, including but not limited to injection mold processes.Alternatively, the material of the tank 100 may be metal, wood, glass,and the like, or any combination thereof. The tank 100 has ledges 105that provide space for such purposes as labeling of columns and rows foridentification of sub-compartments 103. The ledges 105 can also serve ashandles to transport the tank 100. The tank 100 may also have separatehandles 106 to allow for a sturdier grip when transporting the tank 100.

The tank 100 is divided into twelve compartments 101 by compartmentdividers 102. The dotted lines in the FIG. 1 illustrate removabledividers/baffles. The compartment dividers 102 may be permanentlyattached to the walls of tank 100 by any adhesive, such as glue, epoxy,and the like, or any combination thereof, or by other fastening means,such as nails, screws, bolts, and the like, or any combination thereof.Alternatively, the compartment dividers 102 may be removable. Forexample, there may be slots at the ends of each compartment 101 for thecompartment dividers 102 to slide in and out of. The slots may be formedby protrusions from the walls of tank 100 or by grooves in the walls oftank 100. The compartments 101 may or may not be equally spaced. Thecompartment dividers 102 may be of different colors and may beconstructed of a sturdy and opaque material that may or may not be thesame as the material of tank 100. For example, the material of thecompartment dividers 102 may be plastic. Alternatively, the material ofthe compartment dividers 102 may be metal, wood, glass, and the like, orany combination thereof.

Each compartment 101 is further divided into as many as foursub-compartments 103 by sub-compartment dividers 104. Similar to thecompartment dividers 102, the sub-compartment dividers 104 may bepermanently attached to the walls of tank 100 by any adhesive, such asglue, epoxy, and the like, or any combination thereof, or by otherfastening means, such as nails, screws, bolts, and the like, or anycombination thereof. Likewise, the sub-compartment dividers 104 may beremovable. For example, there may be slots built in to the walls of tank100 and the compartment dividers 102 at specific intervals for thesub-compartment dividers 104 to slide in and out of. The slots may beformed by protrusions from or grooves in the walls of tank 100 and/orthe compartment dividers 102. The sub-compartments 103 may or may not beequally spaced. The sub-compartment dividers 104 may be constructed of asturdy opaque material that may or may not be the same as the materialof the tank 100 or of the compartment dividers 102. For example, thematerial of the sub-compartment dividers may be plastic. Alternatively,the material of the compartment dividers 102 may be metal, wood, glass,and the like, or any combination thereof.

Each compartment 101 has a collection channel 107 at one end of thatcompartment 101. The collection channel 107 ends in a downspout 108 toempty water from the compartment 101 to a drainage system, where thewater may drain to a sewer system or alternatively be recycled. Thecollection channel 107 may be tapered to allow for the water in thecompartment 101 to more easily flow to the downspout 108. The downspout108 may be of any material suitable for water, such as glass, rubber,plastic, and the like. There should be a water-tight seal between thecollection channel 107 and the downspout 108 to prevent any leakage ofwater. This can be accomplished by any means known to a person skilledin the art, such as a gasket, epoxy, and the like, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a 96 well plate 200. In an embodiment, the96 well plate 200 is of 8×12 matrix. Further, as shown, the 96 wellplate 200 includes ninety-six wells, such as a well 201. Furthermore,the 96 well plate 200 may be of standard kind made by any manufacturer.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view drawing of two of the tanks 100 depicted inFIG. 1 and described above, and a 96 well plate 200 with ninety-sixwells. The tanks 100 may be of different colors. The two tanks 100 withall the compartment dividers 102 and sub-compartment dividers 104 willhave a total of ninety-six sub-compartments 103. When the two tanks arearranged in the configuration as depicted in FIG. 14, the layout of thesub-compartments 103 will mimic that of the 96 well plate 200.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view drawing of the tank 100 where each compartment101 is divided into only two sub-compartments 103. With more space persub-compartment 103 than the arrangement depicted in FIG. 1, thisarrangement allows researchers the flexibility of screening more thanone fish per sub-compartment 103 with more space than the arrangementdepicted in FIG. 1. This arrangement is particularly useful for holdingpairs of zebrafish while their embryos are screened for mutations ortrans-genesis.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view drawing of the tank 100, morespecifically, one compartment 101. A lid 109 is covering the compartment101. The lid 109 has an aperture 110 over each of the sub-compartments103. The apertures 110 may be any size and shape, and may serve asfeeding holes for the fish. Alternatively, the apertures 110 may serveas openings for introducing water into the compartment 101 from thewater source 307. The water source 307 may introduce water to thecompartment 101 through any one of the apertures 110. Each aperture 110may have its own flap or lid to prevent foreign material from enteringthe compartment 101 when the aperture 110 is not being utilized. The lid109 may or may not be made of the same material as the tank 100,compartment dividers 102, and/or sub-compartment dividers 104.

To allow for a constant flow of water from one sub-compartment 103 toanother, the sub-compartment dividers 104 do not touch the base of thetank 100 creating gaps 111. This may be accomplished by a lip on whichthe sub-compartment dividers 104 rest. The lip will be positioned at aset height above the base of the tank 100 and at the bottom of the slotsor grooves in which the sub-compartment dividers 104 slide in and out,such that the fish will be unable to swim under the sub-compartmentdividers 104 to get from one sub-compartment 103 to another.Additionally, the sub-compartment dividers 104 may have apertures inthem to further allow for the constant flow of water, especially in thesituation where the gaps 111 become clogged from debris. The apertureswill be sized small enough such that the fish will be unable to swimthrough them to get from one sub-compartment 103 to another.Additionally, compartmental dividers may also have a gap at the bottomto allow water to easily flow from one compartment to another (as shownfurther in FIG. 14A).

At the end of the compartment 101 where the collection channel 107 anddownspout 108 are located, there is an additional divider 104′ thatseparates the compartment 101 from the collection channel 107 anddownspout 108. The divider 104′ will be identical to the sub-compartmentdividers 104. The divider 104′ should be in place whenever there arefish in a compartment 101 so that the fish will be prevented fromentering the downspout 108 and ultimately the drainage system. However,the divider 104′ may be removable in a similar fashion as thesub-compartment dividers 104.

FIG. 6 is another side elevation view drawing of the tank 100 andcompartment 101 according to another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the water source 307 introduces water toeach of the sub-compartments 103 individually and at the same timethrough each of the apertures 110 in the lid 109. The lid 109 does nothave to be in place while the water is being introduced to thesub-compartments 103.

FIGS. 7 through 13 are top plan view drawings of the tank 100 depictedin FIG. 1 and lids 109 for each compartment 101, and illustrate the stepof applying lids 109 to the compartments 101. The lid 109 can be appliedto the compartment 101 by any means known to a person skilled in theart. For example, the lid 109 can slide into slots built into the top ofthe compartment dividers 102 and the walls of tank 100. Alternatively,the top edges of the compartment dividers 102 and the walls of tank 100can have notches cut out that span the entire length of each compartment101, creating a ledge for the lid 109 to rest on. Each lid 109 has fourapertures 110 such that when the lid 109 is fully covering thecompartment 101, an aperture 110 will be above each sub-compartment 103.The apertures 110 can serve as feeding holes for the fish in thesub-compartments 103, or as an entrance for introducing water into thecompartments 101. The apertures 110 may be any size or shape.Alternatively, the lids 109 may have no apertures 110.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are front elevation view of a divider 202, and frontelevation view of the tank 100 with plurality of such dividers 202,respectively. The divider 202 has a gap 203 at its bottom. The gap 203in the divider 202 allows water, food, and waste to pass through. Whenthe divider 223 is placed into a tank, such as tank 100 (as shown inFIG. 14B), the gap 203 in the divider 202 allows water, food, and wasteto flow from one compartment to other compartments of the tank 100.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14A, the divider 202 also has pluralityof holes 204 at its top section. The holes 204 in the divider 202 enablewater flow via the divider 202. When the divider 202 is placed into atank, such as tank 100 (as shown in FIG. 14B), the holes 204 in thedivider 202 makes a passage for the water to pass to adjacentcompartments. Thereby, the holes 204 ensure proper flow of water incompartments of the tank 100 even if the gap 203 of any divider 202 getsclogged.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are front elevation views of a divider 205 having anopening (not shown) covered by a fine mesh, such as mesh 206 and 207.Some research requires raising an individual fry or larva separate fromother fry or larva because of their unique genetic, morphological, orphenotypic characteristics. According to the state of art technology,the only way to raise an individual fry/larva is by keeping themseparately in individual tanks. However, by using the tank with thedividers 205 having an opening covered by fine mesh, such as mesh 206and 207, researchers can raise individual larva or fry in same tankhaving different compartments.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the divider 205 (asshown in FIG. 15A) may have a fine mesh 206 of 800 micron. In anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention, the divider 205 (as shownin FIG. 15B) may have a fine mesh 207 of 400 micron. Researchers mayselect any of the mesh of either 400 micron or 800 micron for thedivider 205, based on research requirements.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view drawing of the system 300 according toone embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises amultitude of tanks 100, a housing rack 301, a water collection tank 302,a pump 303, water distribution pipes 304, and water drain pipes 305. Thehousing rack 301 is standard that may be provided by any manufacturer.Alternatively, the water distribution pipes 304 may come from the citywater supply system and the water drain pipes 305 may drain directly tothe sewer system in lieu of a water collection tank 302 and pump 303,respectively.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are side elevation view drawings of a tank 100 on adrawer 306. The drawer 306 is attached to a shelf 308 that is part ofthe housing rack 301. When the drawer 306 is pushed in, the downspout108 will be positioned above a drainage trough 309. When the water levelreaches a certain level, which is determined by the height of thecollection channel 107, the water will empty to the downspout 108 intothe drainage trough 309, and ultimately to a water collection tank 302or alternatively to the sewer system. Therefore, the water source 307should be turned off when the drawer 306 is extended to prevent waterspillage. When the drawer 306 is extended, a researcher will be able toaccess the tank 100 for any purpose such as testing and/or feeding fish,cleaning the tank, and the like.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view drawing of four tanks 400 according toanother embodiment of the present invention. Each tank 400 is dividedinto six compartments 401 by compartment dividers 402. The compartments401 are further divided into twenty-four sub-compartments 403 bysub-compartment dividers 404. With four tanks 400 arranged in theconfiguration depicted in FIG. 19, the layout of the sub-compartments403 will mimic that of a 96 well plate.

Each tank 400 may be constructed of a sturdy opaque material and may beof a different color. For example, the material of the each tank 400 maybe plastic. Alternatively, the material of each tank 400 may be metal,wood, glass, and the like, or any combination thereof. Each tank 400 hasledges 405 that provide space for such purposes as labeling of columnsand rows for identification of sub-compartments 403. The ledges 405 canalso serve as handles to transport each tank 400. Each tank 400 may alsohave separate handles 406 to allow for a sturdier grip when transportingeach tank 400.

Each tank 400 is divided into six compartments 401 by compartmentdividers 402. The compartment dividers 402 may be permanently attachedto the walls of each tank 400 by any adhesive, such as glue, epoxy, andthe like, or any combination thereof, or by other fastening means, suchas nails, screws, bolts, and the like, or any combination thereof.Alternatively, the compartment dividers 402 may be removable. Forexample, there may be slots at the ends of each compartment 401 for thecompartment dividers 402 to slide in and out of. The slots may be formedby protrusions from the walls of tank 400 or by grooves in the walls ofeach tank 400. The compartments 401 may or may not be equally spaced.The compartment dividers 402 may or may not be of different colors andmay be constructed of a sturdy opaque material that may or may not bethe same as the material of each tank 400. For example, the material ofthe compartment dividers 402 may be plastic. Alternatively, the materialof the compartment dividers 402 may be metal, wood, glass, and the like,or any combination thereof.

Each compartment 401 is further divided into as many as foursub-compartments 403 by sub-compartment dividers 404. Similar to thecompartment dividers 402, the sub-compartment dividers 404 may bepermanently attached to the walls of tank 400 by any adhesive, such asglue, epoxy, and the like, or any combination thereof, or by otherfastening means, such as nails, screws, bolts, and the like, or anycombination thereof. Likewise, the sub-compartment dividers 404 may beremovable. For example, there may be slots built in to the walls of eachtank 400 and the compartment dividers 402 at specific intervals for thesub-compartment dividers 404 to slide in and out of. The slots may beformed by protrusions from or grooves in the walls of each tank 400and/or the compartment dividers 402. The sub-compartments 403 may or maynot be equally spaced. The sub-compartment dividers 404 may beconstructed of a sturdy opaque material that may or may not be the sameas the material of the tank 400 or of the compartment dividers 402 andmay or may not be of different colors. For example, the material of thesub-compartment dividers 404 may be plastic. Alternatively, the materialof the compartment dividers 402 may be metal, wood, glass, and the like,or any combination thereof.

Each compartment 401 has a collection channel 407 at one end of thatcompartment 401. The collection channel 407 ends in a downspout 408 toempty water from the compartment 401 to a drainage system, where thewater may drain to a sewer system or alternatively be recycled. Thecollection channel 407 may be tapered to allow for the water in thecompartment 401 to more easily flow to the downspout 108. The downspout408 may be of any material suitable for water, such as glass, rubber,plastic, and the like. There should be a water-tight seal between thecollection channel 407 and the downspout 408 to prevent any leakage ofwater. This can be accomplished by any means known to a person skilledin the art, such as a gasket, epoxy, and the like, or any combinationthereof.

The arrangement of the sub-compartment dividers 404 will be as depictedin FIG. 5. Each compartment 401 will have a lid as depicted in FIGS. 7through 13. Furthermore, each tank 400 will be housed on a housing rackas depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIGS. 20 through 27 illustrate various views of the tank 400 as depictedin FIG. 19. FIG. 20 illustrates a disassembled tank placed on atransport cart. Further as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, walls of tank 400and the compartment dividers 402 have protrusions 412 that form slots413 in which the sub-compartment dividers 404 slide in and out. At thebottom of each slot 413, there is a lip 414 on which the sub-compartmentdivider 404 sits, leaving a gap 411 (as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23) thatallows water to flow from one sub-compartment to another. Furthermore,there is a back cover 415 that covers the collection channels 407 anddownspouts 408. The back cover 415 may be applied to the tank 400 by anymeans known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, theremay be slots at the top of the walls of tank 400 in which the back cover415 may be inserted. The back cover 415 may prevent foreign materialsfrom entering the collection channels 407 and downspouts 408.Additionally, the back cover 415 may provide space for labeling thecompartments 401 for identification purposes.

Each compartment 401 has a lid 409. The lid 409 can be applied to thecompartment 401 by any means known to a person skilled in the art. Forexample, the lid 409 can slide into slots built into the top of thecompartment dividers 402 and the walls of tank 400. Alternatively, thetop edges of the compartment dividers 402 and the walls of tank 400 canhave notches cut out that span the entire length of each compartment401, creating a ledge for the lid 409 to rest on. Each lid 409 hasapertures 410 such that when the lid 409 is fully covering thecompartment 401, an aperture 410 will be above each sub-compartment 403.The apertures 410 can serve as feeding holes for the fish in thesub-compartments 403, or as an entrance for introducing water into thecompartments 401. The apertures 410 may be any size or shape.Alternatively, the lids 409 may have no apertures 410.

In FIG. 21, the compartment dividers 402 and the sub-compartmentdividers are installed in such a manner that allows each compartment ofthe tank 400 to accommodate 24 fishes. FIG. 22 illustrates a water flowdiagram showing a drainage trough 416 and a water supply hose 417 in thetank 400. Further, a gap 411 is illustrated (in FIGS. 22 and 23) in thesub-compartment divers 404 of the tank 400 for allowing food, water, andwaste to pass to other compartments of the tank 400. A fish 208 isillustrated in the FIG. 23. FIG. 24 illustrates removal of thesub-compartment dividers 404 from the tank 400. FIG. 25 illustrates thetank 400 holding 12 pairs of fishes, such as fish 208. FIG. 26illustrates a single sub-compartment divider 404 that is placed toprevent the fishes from escaping, wherein all other sub-compartmentdividers are removed. FIG. 27 illustrates a lid 409 covered over eachcompartment of the tank 400.

FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D illustrate front and perspective views ofthe tank 400 housed on a housing rack 301. In an embodiment, the housingrack 301 is a 0.8 L rack. The housing rack 301 also houses largerindividual tanks in accordance with an existing system and method fortesting zebrafish. These views offer a comparison of the system 300 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention and the existingsystem. The tank may be designed to fit on preexisting rack systemsbuilt by multiple manufacturers. Guides or rails on the bottom of thetank fit around the support bars on existing rack systems to lock thetank in place (as shown in FIG. 29A).

FIG. 29A illustrates the tank 400 with rails 418 at its bottom surface.The rails 418 may be used for locking the tank 400 onto a tank-holdingbar 419. Such additional feet (rails) 418 added to the bottom corners ofthe tank 400 stabilize the tank when the tank is on a flat surface.Further, side and bottom elevation views of the rails 418 areillustrated in FIGS. 29B and 29C, respectively.

FIG. 30 illustrates front elevation view of a housing rack 301 withlarger individual tanks, such as tanks 450 for testing zebrafish.Further, in FIG. 30, a 1.8 L tank is shown. Furthermore various baffles452 are also shown in the housing rack 301. Additionally a drainagetrough 309 is illustrated in the housing rack 301.

FIG. 31A illustrates a perspective view of a housing rack 301 withlarger individual tanks for testing zebrafish. Further, FIG. 31Billustrates a 96 well plate 200 having 96 wells, such as a well 201.

FIG. 32A illustrates a shelf adapter 420 that is used to accommodate atank, such as tank 400, onto a housing rack that is designed toaccommodate substantially taller tanks. Zebrafish research holdingsystem manufacturers generally build two different types ofshelves/housing racks. One is designed to hold short holding tanks andthe other is designed to hold taller holding tanks. The system mayaccommodate the tank on shelves designed to hold short holding tankswith little or no modification. In case, if a tank is to be placed on ashelf designed to hold taller holding tanks, then the shelf adapter 420is required to be used (as shown in FIG. 32A). Further, the shelfadapter 420 is designed to lock on the existing shelf/housing rack forlocking the tank on the shelf adapter 420. The shelf adapter 420 alsoenables the tank drain spouts to fit into the drainage trough of a tallholding tank shelf.

Further, the shelf adapter 420 has rails that lock the shelf adapter 420onto a rack system and a bar that allows the tank to lock on to theshelf adapter 420. Side view and bottom views of the shelf adapter areillustrated in FIGS. 32B and 32C respectively. In an exemplaryembodiment, the dark shaded bars, such as bar 421, may be of dimension1″, and the light shaded bars, such as bars 422 a and 422 b, may be ofdimension ¾′. Additionally, as shown in the FIG. 32B, the gap betweenthe two light shaded bars (i.e. 422 a and 422 b) is in-line with thedark shaded bar 421 above. Furthermore, the dimensions shown in theFIGS. 32B and 32C are meant only for enabling a person skilled in theart to implement the present invention. However, the dimensions are notmean for restricting the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 33 illustrates a basket 423 that may be placed into a tank, such astank 400, for facilitating removal of aquatic species, such aszebrafish, from the tank 400. In an embodiment of the present invention,the basket 423 is removable. Further, for easier removal of the aquaticspecies from the tank 400, baskets 423 containing slots/holes 424 may beplaced into each compartment of the tank 400. Such basket 423facilitates easier removal of the aquatic species from each compartmentof the tank 400. This eliminates the need to net each aquatic speciesout of the compartments of the tank 400. Further, the baskets 423 may ormay not be used in conjunction with section dividers. Additionally, eachbasket 423 has a handle 425 for easy removal of the basket 423 from thecompartments of the tank 400. The handle 425 may be folded (not shown)into edge of the basket 423.

FIG. 34 illustrates a ‘spawning insert’ 426 that may be placed into atank, such as tank 400, for facilitating spawning process of aquaticspecies, such as a fish/zebrafish. By using the spawning insert 426,fishes may be spawned directly in the tank 400. This eliminates the needfor a separate spawning vessel. Further, to make use of the spawninginserts 426, the spawning inserts 426 are placed inside each compartmentof the tank 400 and then fishes are added into the compartmentscontaining spawning inserts 426. Further, the sloped and rough spawningsurface of the spawning insert 426 helps in initiating spawning. When afish spawn, eggs of the fish get sink through a large screen 427covering the top of the spawning insert 426 and come to rest on a finemesh screen 428 at the bottom of the spawning insert 426.

After a set amount of time, usually a night, the spawning/breedinginserts 426 are removed and the eggs are collected into Petri dishes(not shown) or the like which are labeled with the coordinates of thelocation of the breeding pair in the tank. As the eggs are removed, thefish is not required to be removed from the tank 400. Embryos of eggsare then screened for phenotype, genotype, or transgenic expression, andfish from clutches of interest are easily located in the tank.

FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwherein a tank is fabricated out of acrylic and its dividers and lidsare fabricated out of polycarbonate.

Further exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise oneor more dividers for compartments and sub-compartments of differentsizes. A tank, with all the compartment dividers and sub-compartmentdividers, may have a total of twelve or four sub-compartments. Suchtanks may or may not be arranged in configurations that mimics the 96well plate 200. Other embodiments of the present invention includemaking tanks and dividers out of an opaque material and each tank anddivider being of different colors. The latter embodiment may be usefulin conducting behavioral studies where each fish needs to be observedand or recorded without being able to see the fish in the neighboringcompartment.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 for testingand researching fish in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The method 500 begins at step 501. At step 502, theresearcher fills a tank with water. The tank may be as depicted in FIG.1 or 17, or any other variation thereof. At step 503, the researcherinserts the required number of sub-compartment dividers to create thenecessary number of sub-compartments given the type of testing to beperformed. For example, if embryonic screening for mutant phenotypes isbeing performed, less sub-compartment dividers will be required as thefish will be housed in pairs in each sub-compartment. At step 504, theresearcher performs the procedure on the fish, for example collectingembryos from spawning pairs. At step 505, the researcher transfers thesamples taken in step 504 to the appropriate storage device, such as apetri dish, beaker, test tube, 96 well plate, and the like, given thespecific type of testing and research being performed. At step 506, theresearcher places the fish into the sub-compartments of the tank. Ifthere are any empty sub-compartments and additional fish are to betested, then the researcher repeats steps 504 through 506 until all thesub-compartments are filled. Otherwise, the researcher will proceed tostep 507. At step 507, the researcher slides a compartment lid over eachcompartment. At step 508, the researcher transfers the tank to thehousing rack by placing the tank on the drawer. At step 509, theresearcher connects the water supply source to each compartment andpushes the drawer in such that each of the downspouts are positionedover the drainage trough located on each housing rank shelf. At 510, theresearcher starts the water supply to each compartment so that freshwater can constantly circulate from each sub-compartment to the next tothe collection channel and downspout. The method ends at step 511.

FIG. 37 is a side perspective view of a tank 600 without dividers inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The tank 600has multiple grooves 601 in the base of the tank and end walls andmultiple slots 602 in the side walls to house and secure dividers toform multiple compartments.

FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of the tank 600 of FIG. 37 with crossdividers 603 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.The cross dividers 603 are placed in the slots 602 located on therespective sides of the tank and secured in place. The cross dividers602 have multiple slits 604 and multiple tabs 605.

FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of the tank 600 of FIG. 37 showingtwenty-four (24) compartments 610 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. The compartments 610 are formed by theintersecting dividers 606 and cross dividers 603 and are secured in thetank grooves 601 and slots 602 in the side and bottom of the tank, aswell as by slits 604 in the cross dividers 603 that interact and acceptslits of the dividers 606 at their point of intersection.

FIG. 40 is a side perspective view of the tank 600 having twenty-four(24) compartments 610 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The compartments 610 are formed by the intersecting dividers606 and cross dividers 603 and are secured in the tank grooves 601 andslots 602 in the side and bottom of the tank 600, as well as by slits604 in the cross dividers 603 that interact and accept slits 604 of thedividers 606 at their point of intersection.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of interlocking cross dividers 603 anddividers 606 with lids 620 placed on the cross dividers 603 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The crossdividers 603 and dividers 606 each have a corresponding slit 604 whichinterlocks at their intersecting point. The cross dividers 603 havemultiple tabs 605 on their top portion to secure the lids 620 placedover a row of compartments. The lid 620 has at least one opening 621 toaccept a tab 605 of the cross divider 603 to hold the lid 620 in place.

FIG. 42 is a side perspective view of the covered tank 600 havingtwenty-four (24) compartments 610 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention having six (6) lids 620 which are placed on top ofthe cross dividers 603 and held in place by the tabs 605 of the crossdividers 603.

FIG. 43 is a side perspective view of a tank 600 without dividers inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The tank 600has multiple grooves 601 in the base of the tank 600 and end wall andmultiple slots 602 in the side walls to house and secure dividers 606and cross dividers 603 to form multiple compartments 610.

FIG. 44 is a side perspective view of the tank 600 of FIG. 43 havingcross dividers 603 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The cross dividers 603 are placed in the slots 602 located onthe respective sides walls of the tank 600 and secured in place. Thecross dividers 603 have multiple slits 604 and multiple tabs 605.

FIG. 45 is a side perspective view of the tank 600 having twenty-four(24) compartments 610 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The compartments 610 are formed by the intersecting thedivider 606 and cross dividers 603 with the dividers 606 secured in thetank grooves 601 in the end wall and bottom of the tank, with the crossdividers 603 secured by the slots 602 in the side walls, as well as byslits 604 in the cross dividers 603 that interact and accept slits 604of the dividers 606 at their point of intersection.

FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of the covered tank 600 havingtwenty-four (24) compartments 610 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention having six (6) lids 620 which are placed on top ofthe cross dividers 603 and held in place by the tabs 605 of the crossdividers 603.

FIG. 47 is a side perspective view of a shelf stand 700 supporting atank 600 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Theheight of the tank 600 within the shelf stand 700 can be adjusted byaltering the height of the supports 701. The support 701 can be raisedor lowered in accordance with pre-selected levels and bolted securely inplace to the shelf stand.

FIGS. 48A and 48B are front and perspective view of a shelf stand 700illustrating an adjustment means to accommodate tanks of the same andvarying heights in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 48A illustrates the support 701 bolted to the shelfstand 700 in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 48Billustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein the support 701is inverted and bolted to the shelf stand 700 to provide an additionalheight option. A channel 702 in the shelf stand 700 is designed toaccommodate a rail as an attachment means to a holding bar of a racksystem.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a tank 600 in a shelf adaptor 700 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention and illustratesthe shelf adaptor 700 interacting with rails 703 at its bottom surface.The rails 703 may be used to lock the tank 600 onto a tank holding bar.

FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of a tank 600 in a shelf stand 700in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention andillustrates the shelf stand 700 interacting with rails 703 at its bottomsurface. The rails 703 may be used to lock the tank 700 onto a tankholding bar.

FIG. 51 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for constructing a tankhaving twenty-four (24) compartments for use in the testing andresearching of fish in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Step one 800 is to begin with a base tank. In step two 801,cross dividers are then inserted into their respective grooves in thetank. In step three 802, long dividers are inserted into theirrespective grooves in the tank. In step four 803, lids are then placedon top of the cross dividers with the tabs of the cross dividersengaging their respective openings in the lid to secure the lid to thetank. In step five 804, the covered tank is then placed onto a shelfstand.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the tank may be withoutdividers. The tank may have multiple grooves and slots in the base andsides to house and secure dividers and cross dividers to form multiplecompartments, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

The tank may have cross dividers in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. The cross dividers are placed in the slotslocated on the respective side walls of the tank and secured in place.The cross dividers may have multiple slits and multiple tabs.

The tank may have twenty-four (24) compartments in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The compartments are formed by theintersecting dividers and cross dividers and are secured in the tankgrooves and slots in the side and bottom of the tank, as well as byslits in the cross dividers that interact and accept slits of thedividers at their point of intersection.

The tank may have interlocking cross dividers and dividers with lidsplaced on the cross dividers in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The dividers and cross dividers each have acorresponding slit that interlocks at their intersecting point. Thecross dividers have multiple tabs on their top portion to secure thelids placed over a row of compartments. The lid has at least one openingto accept a tab of the cross divider to hold the lid in place.

A covered tank may have twenty-four (24) compartments in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention having six (6) lids which areplaced on top of the cross dividers and held in place by the tabs of thecross dividers.

A method for constructing a tank having twenty-four (24) compartmentsfor use in the testing and researching of fish in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The method begins with a base tank.Cross dividers are then inserted into their respective grooves in thetank. Next, long dividers are inserted into their respective grooves inthe tank. Lids are then placed on top of the cross dividers with thetabs of the cross dividers engaging their respective openings in the lidto secure the lid to the tank. The covered tank is then placed onto ashelf stand.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the present invention may be devisedwithout departing from the basic scope thereof. In particular, it shouldbe appreciated that any element of any embodiments disclosed herein maybe combined with any other elements from any other embodiments disclosedherein, in accordance with yet further embodiments of the presentinvention.

The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, andaspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and apparatussubstantially as depicted and described herein, including variousembodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill inthe art will understand how to make and use the present invention afterunderstanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in variousembodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing apparatusand processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or describedherein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof,including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previousdevices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving easeand reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the present invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. Inthe foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of thepresent invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments,configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspectsof the present invention may be combined in alternate embodiments,configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This methodof disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention thatthe claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recitedin each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventiveaspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosedembodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims arehereby incorporated into this detailed description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

Moreover, though the description of the present invention has includeddescription of one or more embodiments, configurations, materials,measurements, dimensions, or aspects and certain variations andmodifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications arewithin the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within theskill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the presentdisclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternativeembodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted,including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures,functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not suchalternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for testing and researching aquaticspecies, comprising: a tank comprising: a base comprising a top majorsurface, a bottom major surface, two end edges and two lateral edges;two end walls, each end wall coupled to a respective end edge of thebase; and two side walls, each side wall coupled to a respective lateraledge, to at least partially enclose a volume together with the end wallsand the base; a base groove extending along the upper surface of thebase of the tank; a wall groove co-planar with the base groove; adivider placed in the base groove and the wall groove to form acompartment; and a collection channel to drain water from thecompartment, wherein said side wall comprises a slot to accept a crossdivider, wherein said cross divider is perpendicular to said divider. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cross divider comprises a slit,wherein the cross divider engages the divider having a correspondingslit wherein the slit accepts the corresponding slit at a point ofintersection to form a sub-compartment.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the divider and the cross divider are opaque.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises a removable basket in theat least one compartment to allow removal of aquatic species from thetank.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises aspawning insert for spawning the aquatic species.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the cross divider further comprises a gap to allowwater, food, and waste to flow from the compartment to anothercompartment and one or more holes to allow water to flow from thecompartment to another compartment.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe cross divider comprises a tab, said tab accepted by an opening of alid.
 8. A system for testing and researching aquatic species,comprising; a housing rack; a tank to be supported by the housing rack,wherein the tank comprises a base comprising a top major surface, abottom major surface, two end edges and two lateral edges; two endwalls, each end wall coupled to a respective end edge of the base; twoside walls, each side wall coupled to a respective lateral edge, to atleast partially enclose a volume together with the end walls and thebase; a base groove extending along the upper surface of the base of thetank; and a wall groove co-planar with the base groove; a divider placedin the base groove to form a compartment; and a collection channel todrain water from the compartment.
 9. The system of claim 8, furthercomprising a shelf adapter to accommodate the tank on the housing rack;said housing rack further comprising a plurality of shelves, and drawerson the plurality of shelves to rest the tank.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein the plurality of shelves further comprises drainage troughs intowhich water from a downspout drains, and a water collection tank intowhich water from the drainage troughs drains.
 11. The system of claim 8,wherein the side wall further comprises a slot to accept a crossdivider, wherein said cross divider is perpendicular to said divider.12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cross divider further comprisesa slit, wherein the cross divider engages the divider having acorresponding slit at a point of intersection wherein the slit acceptsthe corresponding slit to form a sub-compartment.
 13. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the divider and the cross divider are opaque.
 14. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the cross divider comprises a gap to allowwater, food, and waste to flow from the compartment to anothercompartment and one or more holes to allow water to flow from thecompartment to another compartment.
 15. The system of claim 11, whereinthe divider or the cross divider comprises a tab, said tab to beaccepted by an opening of a lid.
 16. The system of claim 8, wherein thetank comprises a removable basket in the compartment to allow removal ofaquatic species from the tank.
 17. The system of claim 8, wherein thetank comprises a spawning insert for spawning the aquatic species. 18.An apparatus for testing and researching aquatic species, comprising: atank comprising a base comprising a top major surface, a bottom majorsurface, two end edges and two lateral edges; two end walls, each endwall coupled to a respective end edge of the base; two side walls, eachside wall coupled to a respective lateral edge, to at least partiallyenclose a volume together with the end walls and the base; a base grooveextending along the upper surface of the base of the tank; a wall grooveco-planar with the base groove; and a slot in the side wall; a dividercomprising a lip and a slit; said divider placed in the base groove andwall groove to form a compartment; a cross divider having acorresponding slit, said cross divider placed in the slot so that theslit of the divider accepts the corresponding slit of the cross dividerat a point of intersection to form a sub-compartment; a removable basketin the compartment to allow removal of aquatic species from the tank; aspawning insert for spawning the aquatic species; a lid having anopening to accept the lip of the divider; and a collection channel todrain water from the compartment.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, whereinthe divider and the cross divider are opaque.